Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

The location of this hotel is wonderful, just across the road from the glorious beach and close to many shops, bars and restaurants. We had a beach view room so we had good views of all the action on the beach, with only minimal noise disturbance. The room was clean and comfortable, but the decor, especially the bathroom, was a bit tired. The breakfast was a real highlight, especially the açai ice cream station, the excellent freshly made eggs and omelettes, and the speciality Brazilian cheese bread balls. We only used the rooftop pool, although there was another on the 4th floor. The view from the rooftop was amazing, but there were very few sunbeds, due to lack of space. There were several issues with things not working: the tap in the ladies’ toilet at the rooftop bar (the only one and it doubled as a changing room); the lobby escalators were out most of our stay; and, most annoyingly, all 3 of the large jacuzzis in the spa were broken. We also had language difficulties with some of the staff, but I must commend the breakfast staff in particular for their exemplary service. All in all, we enjoyed our stay at Hilton Copacabana.

Bottom Line Up Front: I wouldn’t stay here again. Location: The hotel’s best feature is its location. It sits directly across from Copacabana Beach and, as the tallest building in the area, offers fantastic views. There are also plenty of nearby shops within walking distance, including high-end stores, grocery options, and gift shops. Check-In: Check-in was generally smooth, but the hotel caters to many tour groups, which creates constant congestion. The lobby feels dated and is almost always crowded and hectic. Rooms: The rooms are small and noticeably outdated. We requested an upgrade due to the size, but even beyond that, the furniture and bathrooms felt worn and in need of renovation. With the high turnover of large groups, the wear and tear is very apparent. Service: Service was extremely disappointing. We had to call multiple times for basic items like toilet paper and towels, and ultimately had to go down to reception to get them ourselves. It seems the hotel is understaffed for the volume of guests, and they simply can’t keep up. Running out of toilet paper in a hotel—and not having it promptly replaced—was unacceptable.

Arrival 1/5 The entrance to the hotel is chaotic full of people hanging around waiting for tours. No assistance with the luggage Check in 5/5 The gentleman with lovely moustache that checked me in was wonderful. Super friendly and very informative. Providing all the information one required. Room 3/5 Great views of the beach. Room was a decent size. However really lacked in not providing shower gel just soap. You are not allowed to put toilet paper down the toilet yet they don’t provide bags to put your dirty toilet paper do that end up smelling and this was only emptied once a day. However the cleaning staff do a good job. Breakfast and Lunch 1/5 For such a large hotel the breakfast area was small. So if you went after 7 there were queues. Food was mediocre. Selection was mediocre at lunch they kept getting the orders mixed up. Total shambles. 39 th Floor Top bar 4/5 The pool was the size of a big hot tub and very small sunbathing area. Bar area was fabulous at night with great music and drinks. Food arrived slightly cold. Fabulous views 39th Floor “Pool” 1/5 My hot tub is bigger than this so called pool with bath water temperature water 4th Floor pool. 0/5 The pool was nice however for such a large hotel 3 sunbeds. However at no time at check in our in our stay we we were told that this was being closed during our stay for different events. After long day on a trip all I wanted was a nice swim and to relax . The beach had a red flag so couldn’t swim there. Again at 3pm I couldn’t use the facilities that one pays for as part of the room rate. Beach area 1/5 You are given two chairs and umbrella. Not very comfortable and certainly not relaxing as there is a generator making so much noise and contestant beach sellers with their prison ankle bracelets made one feel unsafe. Check out 1/5 I asked what time was checked out was told 1200. I asked if I could have the room until 1300 as I have a 20 hour flight back home and not even flexible enough to give me an hour extra. I was hoping to switch back to Hilton from IHG this sort of property reminds me of how bad a Hilton hotel can be. This is definetly one of the worst Hilton’s I have even stayed in.

As a Hilton Gold member, I throughly enjoyed my short stay at this incredible property, located on such a prime location on the Copacabana Beach! Prior to my arrival, I had corresponded with Alina A, the Guest Service Manager, and she was very helpful with upgrading my room type and arranging an ocean front view room! Upon arrival, I was welcomed by Wellington who too such great care of me, as although I was only a Hilton Gold member and not a Diamond, he went above and beyond by upgrading me to a beautiful Executive Room with club access and incredible views!! Shout out to Heros who warmly welcomed me and handled my luggage upon arrival, as my room wasn't ready yet, and as I had misplaced a valuable item, he was INCREDIBLY helpful with ensuring it was promptly found!! I truly appreciate his kindness and warm and gracious hospitality! Thank you to Beatriz from the executive club, who was so hospitable in the club and was very helpful with communication via WhatsApp. While there was an issue with my room during my stay, and I needed to switch rooms, it was promptly addressed by management, and I am very appreciative of Jorge who assisted me during my stay, as well as Renata Ohiro, who followed up via email after my stay! I highly recommend this property, truly appreciate the exceptional staff who pride themselves on taking such great care of their guests, and very much look forward too returning to this prime location on Rio's magnificent Copacabana Beach!

We are Diamond level and they sent us to a special lounge for check in. Rogerio took good care of us. He gave us water and snacks and this was in a special lounge with soft drinks, ice, snacks (all day). They serve breakfast but I'd suggest going to the main dining room (more choices). Either was included for us, and if it's not included, then lounge area would be adequate. Happy Hour 5:30 to 7:30 daily. We did go both days for drinks and snacks. The chocolate cake with cream cheese icing is amazing as well as the all chocolate cake. Champagne and several liquor choices. Snacks were good and adequate. I like the small quail boiled eggs. Rafael was amazing and very helpful. He gives great Hugs. The 2nd day we got Beatriz in the lounge and she was amazing. She called the Harley Davidson place to check for shirts and they emailed us so we knew they had what we were looking for. It was great since it was an hour cab ride and we didn't want to do that unless we knew they had them. Cabs are outside hotel, but get them to contact so you know you get a reputable one. We took one to the mall first night, which is close enough if you are used to walking, but...Lots of restaurants, gelato ice cream and shops (I had not brought open toed shoes and needed a pair of Havaianas to visit Christ the Redeemer). 2nd Night we walked around corner for pizza. We then went to the Rooftop bar for a drink and had sorbet. It was dark so earlier might be better for view, although we had a view from our room. There is a Souvenir shop within walking (800 feet) and a drugstore next door. The view was amazing. We were on the 35th Floor. (Yikes) but we had a beach view and the Christ statue was to the right. We did not go to the beach, but the hotel has umbrellas and chairs if you want to go. All in all, a great experience: convenient location, beautiful views and we would stay again if we ever get back to Rio.